Primary pupils in Swansea are urged to get coding

Primary schools in Swansea are being urged to take part in a Wales-wide competition aimed at developing pupils' computer skills.

The DVLA Code Challenge is inviting schools to enter teams of up to five children to showcase their programming talents by designing a computer game from scratch.

The challenge will enable pupils to develop their problem solving, communication and teamwork skills as well as improving their knowledge of computer programming in a fun way.

Schools have until October 6 to enter.

Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, Jennifer Raynor, said: "Among the council's policy commitments is a pledge to work with schools and other partners to ensure pupils have the right skills to enjoy well-paid careers in the new economy when they leave school.

"Learning coding enables young people to create their own websites, understand the technology that is now shaping our world and gain employment in or even start their own technology business.

"A fundamental part of the Swansea Bay City Deal is to develop our digital infrastructure and the skills of our workforce. We are looking at ways to encourage our schools to focus more and more on the importance of coding and this competition is just one way of doing that."

Schools whose entries are shortlisted will be invited to attend the DVLA Code Challenge 2017 prize day at DVLA's digital theatre in Swansea on 28 November. BBC Wales News and x-Ray presenter Lucy Owen will be hosting the event and the best entries will receive prizes of IT equipment up to the value of £3,000 for use in their school.

DVLA Head of Cyber Security Testing and STEM Ambassador Mark Jones said: "If you introduce computer science early, in a fun and interactive way, it'll pay dividends in the future. It's important that as employers we actively support the development of IT skills in schools and communities, from grassroots early education upwards.

"DVLA really is an Agency that is actively engaged in encouraging technologists of all ages, providing opportunities for those with digital skills and talent to deliver our services now and in the future".